HOME | POLITICS | SPORTS | LIFE | SCI/TECH | OPEDS | HELPFUL TIPS
|
July 8, 2003 How many times as an author have you perused the paying markets? You probably look every single day especially if you are a full time writer trying to establish yourself. However, often times the path that leads you there, begins with the markets that dont reward you with the checks. I guess it depends on you as the writer and what drives you. In my years of writing I have been very appreciative of someone publishing my work, regardless of the pay. Personally, I care more about the experience I am gaining, exposure, and the sharing of my words. The first and foremost reason why I write is a personal satisfaction I gain because I love to write and cant get enough of it. While my goals that loom ahead include novellas, novels, screenplays, scripts, and being on the bestseller list, I am just as happy to be published in a small print publication or on a webzine. The payment is more or less a bonus right now but the acceptance is added to my ever- growing resume and allows me the chance to move up and make bigger steps. It is the acceptances that continue to fuel my incentives to keep submitting instead of just writing in personal journals. Often writers feel the only way you can really call yourself a writer is if you have published a full novel. I have to disagree here because not all writers are looking for that particular satisfaction. To spend the days pounding out words, thoughts, ideas, stories, poetry, articles, anything at all is most certainly deeming one a writer. Some writers are meant to write particular genres while others dabble in other literary forms and succeed quite well. I also dont believe that work needs to be in print to be considered a true author. E-books are a great beginning for those authors who are building their resumes and gaining confidence. From a simple article in a local newspaper to writing a volume of novels, there is plenty of work in between that establishes an author and defines a writer. Of course royalty checks for the e-books are not going to make you rich, they are another stepping stone across the river of your dreams to be published. Each time you stick your toe into something new, you create a ripple. Each ripple is one more publication to add under your name. In time they all add up to a wealth of experience and people you can say thank you to on your way to higher land. Some of these ripples may be huge ego boosting rewards while others may be small, regardless it is important to take pride in all work you do and make sure to stay true to yourself. Around that bend there is the next series of steps you need to take to continue to further yourself, but first you just need to take that step. So far my writings have brought me a deep satisfaction within myself and for that it is priceless. I doubt I will ever find anyone to pay me the amount of money I feel I have earned for the hours I spent writing and that is okay. Because I enjoy sharing my works with others I am happy to submit freely and I dont flinch at the chance to help a new publication along the way either. Someday I do hope my writings bring substantial monetary rewards, but it isnt what keeps me writing. It is the place in my heart and the creative side of my soul that pushes me to express myself. A writer has to start somewhere, as does a new publication. If they are new and unable to pay, it means they need voices to help fuel their notoriety and that is a great place to start a compromise. Looking for only the paying markets may hinder your opportunities to getting your name out there in other forms. To pay or not to pay, that is a question, and can only be answered by the individual writers themselves. Just like in life, your writing aspirations may hit obstacles or roadblocks, keeping you an arms length away from your accomplishments. It takes determination and focus to keep those creative wheels turning, windmills of the mind that they are. As long as you have patience and continue to put yourself out there, you will have your day in the sun. Whatever drives you to write will ultimately decide your path, but sometimes it helps to stop and smell the flowers, the small publications that are waiting to bloom, and in the end we can all share in this bountiful garden of words. ------------ About the author: Nancy Jackson is a full time author and poet with works in Literati, Twilight Times, Anotherealm, Sonny World, and various anthologies. Her pasttimes include spending time with her loved ones, drinking wine, and lots of writing! Email Nancy Jackson: coryann93@yahoo.com Comment on this column in the forum. Tell a friend about this site! ------------ |
||||||
|
|
|||||||
|
